Kashmir Impulse Desk

Jammu, July 23

Rivers in Jammu and Kashmir swelled on Thursday after fresh heavy rain, prompting authorities to issue evacuation advisories for people living in low-lying areas and deploy disaster-response teams to vulnerable locations.

The Tawi and Chenab rivers were flowing strongly as rainfall lashed Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi and other districts.

Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued two men stranded in the swollen Tawi near Phallian Mandal after a sudden rise in the river trapped them while they were grazing cattle.

The two men were identified as Farman Ali, 25, and Farooq Ahmed, 28.

They were rescued without injuries and handed over to their families.

In Jammu city, police used public announcements to urge residents of vulnerable areas, including Gujjar Nagar, to move to safer locations with essential belongings and livestock.

“As the water level increased in Udhampur to an alarming level, sudden surge in Tawi water level in Jammu was anticipated any moment,” police said, advising residents not to wait until water levels rose further.

The situation eased after rainfall stopped in the evening, but authorities urged residents to remain cautious.

The Chenab was also flowing in spate after crossing the danger mark during the prolonged spell of rain.

An SDRF team was deployed to Paragwal as a precautionary measure to monitor the situation and remain ready for emergency operations.

Authorities said disaster-response teams remained on standby and departments had been directed to coordinate closely to protect lives and maintain essential services.

Separately, an SDRF team cleared a fallen tree near Manda on a national highway, restoring traffic movement.